Illinois State Police: Gun licenses up 6 percent

Thursday

SPRINGFIELD — New data from the Illinois State Police show a 6.1 percent increase in gun licenses in the state.

SPRINGFIELD — New data from the Illinois State Police show a 6.1 percent increase in gun licenses in the state.

The Pantagraph in Bloomington reports today that Illinois State Police figures show an increase of more than 78,500 licenses in 2011. Nearly 1.4 million people had firearm owner's identification cards as of Jan. 1, 2011, compared with slightly more than 1.3 million in 2010. Illinois residents must have a card to possess or purchase firearms.

Observers say the rise is due to more than one reason. Democratic State Rep. Brandon Phelps of Harrisburg says the increase may have come after concealed-carry legislation was approved in bordering Wisconsin.

Todd Vandermyde, who lobbies in Illinois for the National Rifle Association, says it may be because of the end of Chicago's handgun ban.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.